17th January, 2014
Despite being a new comer on the Nigerian art scene, the art exhibition of young painter, Abraham Ogunlende, titled “Culture Shock”, left many art enthusiasts and lovers impressed with his creativity.
With over 25 works created within three weeks in different formats and propagating diverse themes, “Culture Shock” made its much-awaited debut at the popular art centre, Terra Kulture, on Friday, 3 January alongside an up and coming artist, Dennis Osadebe.
The Lagosian who prefers to be called Painter Abe, is determined to follow in the footsteps of arts greats like Keith Haring and Mark Rothko who inspired him and is helped by Bantu, a Collective Of Young Nigerians in the fields of Music, Art, and the Visual Arts.
At the opening of the exhibition which ran for a week, Painter Abe said his decision to make meaning out of his fascination with colour, balance and chaos has helped create his unique approach, which he uses to define and represent both his culture and generation.
He said “Culture Shock” is an exhibition for the young at heart.
“Appealing yet reflective of what young people go through in their journey through life, the works are a departure from the acrylic paint, which dominate the landscape,” said Painter Abe, who is also son to music icon, Onyeka Onwenu.
Those who attended the exhibition include Nasreen Kareem, former Mrs Tanzania 2008, Chris Mba, a musician; Nneka; Chinelu Egbuna, lawyer; Mahmoud Ali-Balogun and Chude Jideonwo of the Future Awards.
Onyeka Onwenu was not left out as she described her son thus, “I see in him a single-mindedness and focus that is admirable and worthy of emulation. He is my son but I am learning from him. Abraham Ogunlende is original and hugely talented. I see him growing and getting better at expression. He is passionate and driven. I wish him God’s speed. I am proud of him. He has done this on his own, as he likes to do most times.”
— Funsho Arogundade